Students enrolled in Redford Union High School’s early college program will receive a technological boost next spring thanks to a recent grant.

The district will receive a $100,000 Community Revitalization Grant from the state of Michigan to purchase new Microsoft Surface Pro Notebooks. Superintendent Dr. Sarena Shivers said the grant will put the mobile devices in the hands of students who might not otherwise have access to advanced technology.

“The Early College and Careers Pathway Program wants to ensure that equity in opportunity is provided for our students by providing them with the technologies to be successful in meeting their post-secondary college or career goals,” Shivers wrote in the application for the grant.

State Rep. Leslie Love, D-Detroit, helped secure the grant for the district.

“I am so pleased to bring this grant to the Redford Union School District that is similar to a grant the South Redford School District received last year,” Love said. “You can rest assured I will leave no stone unturned to ensure schools in the 10th House District are on the cutting edge of technology.”

The early college program will receive its first group of students next spring. Through the program, students can earn an associate’s degree, certification or enter into an apprenticeship or four-year university as a junior through articulation agreements.

Redford Union is one of only three Wayne County school districts to offer an early college program. The focus on college and career readiness is a key component of the district’s commitment to improving the education, experience and preparedness of students, Shivers said.

“Dr. Shivers has worked well with the school board in moving the district forward,” Love said. “Her more than 20 years of experience and expertise in curriculum and program development will ensure this technology is put to great use to benefit the students.”

The district is going after additional grants to secure additional new technology. Beech Elementary will soon utilize a portion of a $3 million School Improvement Grant – also received from the state – to put more technology into the hands of students, Shivers said.

The district is in the middle of a major technology improvement planning process, she added. The initiative will focus on infrastructure needs, but also address hardware and software needs throughout the district, Shivers said.

The technology improvement planning process is aligned with Redford Union’s five-year strategic plan, which was adopted last June.